Published at Saturday, September 15th, 2018 - 21:49:06 PM. Fireplace. By Andrea Wichterle.

There is much written about the benefits of an electric fireplace and much is also written about the common differences between electric fireplaces and traditional fireplaces. Of course, both have their value but for many people there are a number of reasons why people purchase an electric fireplace as opposed to purchasing a "real" fireplace. Cost and installation often play a role in the decision to purchase an electric fireplace as opposed to purchasing a traditional fireplace. Of course, this does bring up an overlooked question: what happens to those who have already purchased a traditional fireplace. Do they completely shut down the traditional fireplace and opt to not think about purchasing an electric item? Absolutely not! Instead they can simply install an electric fireplace insert into the traditional fireplace and they will be in business once again!

Outdoors a ventless gas log cannot deplete oxygen or fill your home with gas but a different set of issues ensues. Oxygen Sensors can get pollen and dust in them and wind can confuse the pilot assembly’s ability to provide continuous heat to the thermocouple. The design of the fireplace and the placement of the logs should be discussed with a professional to minimize these possibilities. These issues do not risk the safety of your family but if the thermocouple thinks the pilot is out because the wind is directing the flame in another direction, your gas log burner will turn itself off. An experienced installer will manipulate the mounting bracket to work around wind issues and position the Oxygen Depletion Sensors so they do not get clogged with pollen and dust.